PSC 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Knockout Mouse, Open Field (Animal Test), Gene Knockout
Document Summary
Psc 101 lecture 6 behavioral genetics (cont. ) Mice that are genetically engineered to lack the function of a single gene. Generally focusing on role of the coding region, although it is possible to manipulate promoters too. A specific gene is knocked out by deleting some or all of the coding region. The mice do not have the function of this gene throughout their entire life. A gene can have different effects on a behavior if it is expressed during development versus in the adult. Effect of gene manipulation often depends on when you do it. Some genes have different functions during development vs in the adult. Sometimes the behavior of a mouse will be more heavily influenced by what the gene does during development. Studies indicate that serotonin can influence anxiety in humans. The serotonin transporter regulates how serotonin affects brain activity. Tests have been developed to use their natural behavior to infer internal states.
